Good morning, Brighton…. and hope the week ahead is looking rosy. Nearly at the half way point of July… how? And also 5 days until the schools break-up… gulp. Time for us at the Scoop to focus on more kids activities to keep the little ones occupied. Watch this space.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

• Shop Owners Going Toe to Toe with Co-op

• BACA Turns Around Ofsted Rating

• The Roundhill is Up for Sale

What’s the Scoop

Shop Owners Going Toe to Toe with Co-op

🛒 In Brighton's Seven Dials, local shop owners are fighting eviction due to the Co-op's planned expansion, which would close two small, local businesses, despite another Co-op branch being nearby.

Louise Oliver, owner of Seven Cellars, criticises the Co-op for its actions, which she feels contradict its ethical claims. Oliver's eviction could cost her £60,000, although she's considering a pricey alternative location. The community has rallied in support, gathering nearly 12,000 signatures against the move (Change.org here). MP Siân Berry urges the Co-op to reconsider. Co-op claims it has offered extension support and attributes lease issues to denied planning permissions.

As a supporter of local stores here at Brighton Scoop, we do hope common sense prevails here.

BACA Turns Around Ofsted Rating

🚸 Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) transformed from an "inadequate" to a "good" Ofsted rating under Principal Jack Davies. Since joining in 2022, Davies improved school culture, communication, and ambition, listening to students and engaging parents. BACA enhanced its sports program, joining the Aldridge Education Trust, and hosting elite cricket and football academies.

Initiatives, like cultural food festivals, addressed previous concerns of bullying and discrimination. The school's reputation improved, attracting attention from families and primary schools. Councillor Ty Goddard praised the turnaround, attributing success to leadership, quality teaching, and strong community partnership.

The Roundhill is Up for Sale

🍻 The renowned 100% plant based pub in Brighton, is on sale :( for £765,000 with a lease to La Planta Ltd running until 2033, ensuring continuity in management. Established in 2018 by Max Aben and Rosi Lawrence, the pub won a 2020 Brighton Restaurant Award for "best roast" and regular top 10’s in numerous other categories. Now directed by Adam Smith, La Planta Ltd retains the vegan ethos and staff. Praised for creativity and sustainability, The Roundhill is a key destination in Brighton's plant-based scene so pop on down to 100 Ditchling Rd to show your support.🤘 

Weather

Monday 14/7

🌤️ | 📈 22 | 📉 15 |☔️ <5% | 🌬️ SW 18mph | 🌊 2-3ft

Tuesday 15/7

 🌤️ | 📈 20 | 📉 15 |☔️ 60% | 🌬️ SW 21mph | 🌊 4-5ft

Beautiful Brighton

Be sure to tag us @brightonscoop to get your photos featured

Summer Festivals ‘25

The Brighton Festival and Fringe may be over but we have plenty of other festivals on the way over the coming months in and around Brighton & Hove. We’ll keep this little section in for the next few months and update it every week. Be sure to check back people.

• 🎸 On The Beach | The Beach | 18th - 20th, 23rd,25th - 27th July | Book

• 🍸 Gin & Rum Festival | The Grand | 26th July | Book

• ☕️ Brighton Coffee Festival | All Saints Church | 9th & 10th August | Book

• 🍹 Brighton Cocktail Festival | 40 Bars Across Town | 19th-28th Sept | Book

What’s On

Monday 14/7

• Bilal Zafar & Johnny White Really-Really | Komedia | 7pm

• Risky Quizness | Carioline of Brunswick | 8pm

• Brighton's No.1 Comedy Mug | Secret Comedy Club | 8pm

• Live Comedy | Signal Box | 7pm

Tuesday 15/7

• Rob Auton & Joe Kent-Walters | Komedia | 7pm

• Pub Quiz with Ryan G | Old Albion | 8pm

• Life Drawing - The Brighton Arts Social | Bee’s Mouth

Live Music

Monday 14/7

• HALF BLIND'S BIGGER GAY FUNDRAISER | Daltons | 2pm

• Live Jazz | Bee’s Mouth | 9-11pm

• Open Mic Night | Brunswick | 8pm | Free

• Placeholder #21 | Hope & Ruin | 7.30pm

Tuesday 15/7

• Transcend Borders x Brighton Queers for Palestine | Daltons | 7pm

• Nil by Habit | Green Door Store | 7pm

• Jazz Jam | Brunswick | 8pm | £3

• Folklore Monthly Showcase | Folklore Rooms | 7.30pm

• Kate Glover | Hope & Ruin | 7.30pm

• Flower-Corsano Duo + The Burbling Mind | Prince Albert | 8pm | £10

• The Tuesday Sessions | Yellow Book Bar | 8pm

Cheers for popping by

Great to have you follow the Scoop today. If you liked it, do share us with a friend. There’s a beer on me if you spot me in town.